A 20-year-old man has been charged with murder after a woman was stabbed to death in a McDonald’s restaurant during a children’s party she was supervising.

Jackie Marshall, 57, of Southbourne, West Sussex, who had worked for the fast-food chain for about 15 years, died at the Terminus Road restaurant, Chichester, West Sussex, at about 1pm on Saturday.

Shane Freer, 20, a former McDonald’s employee of First Avenue, Batchmere, West Sussex, is accused of her killing.

He is due to appear at Chichester Magistrates’ Court.

A Sussex Police spokeswoman said Mrs Marshall was pronounced dead at hospital.

She added: “Mrs Marshall was married for over 35 years. She’s got a very close-knit family. She’s got children and grandchildren.

“She organised children’s parties. There was a children’s party there on Saturday. She was supervising. She was very well-known in the local area. She did a lot of charity work in the Southbourne area.”

A McDonald’s spokesman said: “We are absolutely shocked and horrified by this tragic incident. Our thoughts and sincerest sympathies are with the family of a much loved, valued and respected member of our team.

“The safety and well-being of our staff is of utmost concern and we will be offering counselling to all employees affected by Saturday’s tragic events.”

“We will, of course, be working very closely with Sussex Police to assist them with their investigation.”